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Zurab Pololikashvili

Tourism at COP28 Delivering on Climate Action Commitments

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Tourism at COP28 Delivering on Climate Action Commitments - TRAVELINDEXDubai, United Arab Emirates, December 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has brought together sector leaders at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to showcase the progress made in implementing the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action on Tourism. In time for the world’s most important climate conference, the Declaration has been officially included in the Global Climate Action Portal of UNFCCC.

Climate Action Plans for Tourism

The Glasgow Declaration was launched at COP25 in Glasgow (2021), with signatories committing to achieving Net-Zero by 2050 at the latest. Signatories also commit to delivering dedicated Climate Action plans around the Declarations Five Pathways (Measure, Decarbonize, Regenerate, Collaborate and Finance). In Dubai:

  • UNWTO outlined the collective progress with the first Glasgow Declaration Implementation Report (2023). Of the 420 signatories who have submitted reports, 261 also submitted a Climate Action Plan.
  • 70% of signatories who submitted plans are also showcasing how they are measuring the CO2 emissions related to some or all of their operations. However, the need for consensus around measurement methodologies and boundaries is of growing importance.
  • A range of signatories will present at the exhibition booth “Transforming the way we Travel” (Blue Zone, 10-11 December). Among them are the Canary Islands, Bucuti & Tara Resort, Lamington Group, Ponant Cruises, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, Guava Amenities, Winnow.
  • The diversity of decarbonization approaches reported within Climate Action Plans provides an extensive database of actions applicable to different stakeholders. Analysis of the Plans confirms the added value of working collectively on effectively addressing the challenge of climate change.

In recognition of the efforts of the tourism sector to accelerate climate action, the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has been included by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as one of the initiatives in the Global Climate Action Platform.

UNWTO Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic, highlighted the importance for the tourism sector to take action at all levels encouraging Member States to sign the Glasgow Declaration in order to accelerate the transition towards the commitments of the Paris Agreement.

Concrete Climate Action for the Sector

A tourism-focused official COP28 side event showcased the sector’s capacity to enact concrete climate action. This includes through the measurement of emissions, decarbonization strategies, regenerative approaches for destinations and innovative finance. Participants included the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Iberostar Group, Radisson Hotel Group, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and NOAH ReGen.

During the side-event, UNWTO released for a public consultation the Policy Guidance to support climate action by National Tourism Authorities, developed as part of the deliverables of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme. The process involved the nomination of Climate Action Focal Points in 57 Ministries of Tourism, to support Member States with capacity building on climate action.

The Glasgow Declaration: Growing in Size and Impact

As of November 2023, the number of signatories has grown to 857, coming from every continent (and from over 90 countries). Each of them has made the commitment to support the global goals set by the Paris Agreement (of halving emissions by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2050 at the latest) by publishing a Climate Action Plan and reporting on its implementation publicly on an annual basis.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

International Tourism to End 2023 Close to Pre-Pandemic Levels

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International Tourism to End 2023 Close to Pre-Pandemic Levels - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, December 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourism is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months of 2022.

The newest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer also shows:

  • World destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season.
  • International tourist arrivals hit 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter, reaching 92% in July, the best month so far since the start of pandemic.
  • Overall, tourism recovered 87% of pre-pandemic levels in January-September 2023. That puts the sector on course to recover almost 90% by the end of the year.
  • International tourism receipts could reach USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.

The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts. This is critical for destinations, businesses, and communities where the sector is a major lifeline. ”

The Middle East, Europe and Africa lead recovery

  • The Middle East continues to lead the recovery by regions in relative terms, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels in the nine months through September 2023. The Middle East remains the only world region to surpass 2019 levels this period. Visa facilitation measures, the development of new destinations, investments in new tourism-related projects and the hosting of large events, help underpin this remarkable performance.
  • Europe, the world’s largest destination region, welcomed 550 million international tourists over the period, 56% of the global total. That represents 94% of pre-pandemic levels. The rebound was supported by robust intra-regional demand as well as strong demand from the United States.
  • Africa recovered 92% of pre-pandemic visitors this nine-month period,  and arrivals in the Americas reached 88% of 2019 numbers this period, as the region benefitted from strong US demand, in particular to Caribbean destinations.
  • Asia and the Pacific reached 62% of pre-pandemic levels this period due to slower reopening to international travel. However, performance among subregions is mixed, with South Asia recovering 95% of pre-pandemic levels but North-East Asia only about 50%.

The World Tourism Barometer includes more focused data on regions, as well as sub-regions and individual destinations.

Tourism spending strong

Strong demand for outbound travel was reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels. Germany and the United States spent 13% and 11% more respectively on outbound travel than in the same nine months of 2019, while Italy spent 16% more through August.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. Drawing on data from IATA (the International Air Transport Association) and STR, the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker details a strong recovery in air passenger numbers and tourist accommodation occupancy levels.

Against this backdrop, international tourism is well on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024 despite economic challenges such as high inflation and weaker global output, as well as important geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Telefonica and UNWTO to Promote Digital and Sustainable Tourism

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Telefonica and UNWTO to Promote Digital and Sustainable Tourism - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, November 30, 2023 / TAVELINDEX / The collaboration agreement will run until 2026 and will focus on digital entrepreneurship, innovation, application of new technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) and talent development.

Telefónica and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have followed through on their commitment to cooperate by signing a new collaboration framework, valid until 2026, with the aim of promoting tourism development that is more digital, sustainable and inclusive.

The United Nations’ specialized agency for tourism and Telefónica will continue to work together at the global level and will focus on three strategic axes of digital transformation: nurturing global and regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems; boosting technological adoption in tourism; and promoting capacity building for a more digital, sustainable and competitive tourism sector that leaves no one behind.

New projects, new scopes

In this regard, Telefónica Tech, the telecom operator’s strategic digital business unit, and the UNWTO will promote the ‘Digital Futures’ programme, which seeks to accelerate the tourism sector’s economic recovery by scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises with the incorporation of new technologies such as big data, IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions. These digital tools have the ability to transform companies and make them more competitive, sustainable and resilient, as they help them make better business decisions based on exhaustively analysed data. Such technologies also allow them to offer more personalized and competitive products and services, optimize resources, and increase the profitability of the tourism sector.

As part of an effort to identify disruptive projects that help enhance the sustainability of the sector, Wayra Hispam, Telefónica’s open innovation area that connects the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world, is collaborating in the development of the World Tourism Organization’s Community Tourism Innovation Challenge in Colombia, with the support of the Vice-Ministry of Tourism of Colombia. Its mentoring support generates connections with the business and venture capital ecosystem, which is essential for all entrepreneurs who are working to offer innovative solutions and promote development, taking into account local communities as well as natural and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, training processes (reskilling and upskilling) will be addressed so that employees can develop and take advantage of all the potential that digitalization brings to an industry that is so important to the economy of many countries.

To this end, training cycles will be carried out on the application of technologies to tourism. These will be offered by reference stakeholders that aim to help those who are beginning to take their first steps or wish to evolve their projects. For their part, Telefónica and UNWTO will collaborate in learning initiatives through accessible content as the Tourism, Gastronomy and Hospitality 4.0 Nanodegree developed by Fundación Telefónica and CEOE through the UNWTO Digital Futures programme, focused on accelerating the economic recovery of the tourism sector through the growth of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the world’s leading telecommunications service providers. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital services for individuals and businesses. It is present in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 383 million customers. Telefónica is a fully private company whose shares are listed on the continuous market of the Spanish stock exchanges and on the New York and Lima stock exchanges.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Half of all Global Destinations Now Offer Digital Nomad Visas

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Half of all Global Destinations Now Offer Digital Nomad Visas - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, November 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The number of destinations offering Digital Nomad Visas has risen significantly over recent years, with almost half now offering visas for at least one year.

According to a new analysis by the World Tourism Organization covering 54 destinations, the rise in Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) has gone hand-in-hand with an increase in digital nomads, with destinations in all regions working to meet the market trend.

Destinations Welcoming Digital Nomads

The UNWTO Brief examines the DNV programmes in seven areas: Application process, Duration of visa, Taxation, Insurance, Accommodation, Minimum income requirements and criminal records check. The brief  looks at the background and current state of digital nomadism trends and provides an analysis of existing DNVs worldwide in five regions. Key findings include:

  • 47% of destinations offer visas for up to one year.
  • 39% of destinations exempt digital nomads from tax payments.
  • 17% of destinations do not have minimum income requirements.
  • 76% of destinations have online applications for DNV programmes.
  • 80% of destinations process applications within one-month period.
  • Only 6% of destinations have no visa fees for application.

Embracing the future of work

A DNV allows individuals to live and work in a foreign country while maintaining employment or conducting freelance work for employers or clients in their home or another country. With this visa, digital nomads can continue their professional pursuits while embracing the opportunity to immerse themselves in the host destination’s unique lifestyle in line with much of the trends of the future of work. Furthermore, destinations use DNV to attract professionals from creative and technology areas to stimulate these areas nationally.

Flexibility and digital access key

At the same time, the UNWTO Brief highlights the key considerations for destinations when offering or expanding their DNV programmes:

  • Digitalization of destination: Due to the importance of well-connectivity and productivity, the host destinations tend to invest in robust digital infrastructure. High-speed internet, co-working spaces, and comfortable accommodations are available to facilitate optimal remote work conditions.
  • Balancing Work and Lifestyle: By offering a flexible visa framework, host destinations empower digital nomads to create the work environments while immersing themselves in local culture and lifestyle.
  • Future Impact Assessment: The brief underscores the importance of establishing impact assessment for  DNV programmes as a new mechanism.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Importance Highlighted in World Economic Outlook Report

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Tourism Importance Highlighted in World Economic Outlook Report - TRAVELINDEXWashington DC, United States, November 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism has again been identified as a key driver of economic recovery and growth in a new report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With UNWTO data pointing to a return to 95% of pre-pandemic tourist numbers by the end of the year in the best case scenario, the IMF report outlines the positive impact the sector’s rapid recovery will have on certain economies worldwide.

According to the World Economic Outlook (WEO) Report, the global economy will grow an estimated 3.0% in 2023 and 2.9% in 2024. While this is higher than previous forecasts, it is nevertheless below the 3.5% rate of growth recorded in 2022, pointing to the continued impacts of the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and from the cost-of-living crisis.

Tourism key sector for growth

The WEO report analyses economic growth in every global region, connecting performance with key sectors, including tourism. Notably, those economies with “large travel and tourism sectors” show strong economic resilience and robust levels of economic activity. More specifically, countries where tourism represents a high percentage of GDP   have recorded faster recovery from the impacts of the pandemic in comparison to economies where tourism is not a significant sector.

As the report Foreword notes: “Strong demand for services has supported service-oriented economies—including important tourism destinations such as France and Spain”.

Looking Ahead

The latest outlook from the IMF comes on the back of UNWTO’s most recent analysis of the prospects for tourism, at the global and regional levels. Pending the release of the November 2023 World Tourism Barometer, international tourism is on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Prospects for September-December 2023 point to continued recovery, driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity particularly in Asia and the Pacific where recovery is still subdued.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Celebrates Qatar Tourism Awards to Recognize Excellence in Sector

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UNWTO Celebrates Qatar Tourism Awards to Recognize Excellence in Sector - QATARTOURISM.orgDoha, Qatar, November 21, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has joined Qatar Tourism to recognize the individuals and businesses leading the way in building a better sector in the country.

The inaugural Qatar Tourism Awards, developed in partnership with UNWTO, focused on three principal categories: Service Excellence, Cultural Experiences and Smart Solutions. At the awards ceremony, Qatar Tourism Awards also announced a surprise category, the Community Contribution Award, to recognise individual community members who have gone above and beyond to display hospitality and provide exemplary services to visitors.

The winners were announced at a ceremony that took place at Raffles Doha, attended by Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at UNTWO and His Excellency Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism. The winners reflected the broad and diverse nature of the tourism sector, including destinations, experiences, hotels and hospitality establishments. They also recognized those leading the way in building a more innovative and sustainable tourism, in line with UNWTO’s key priorities for the sector.

The full list of all the winners can be found on the Qatar Tourism Awards website.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Workshop Puts Focus on Dynamic Tourism Communications for Africa

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UNWTO Workshop Puts Focus on Dynamic Tourism Communications for Africa - TRAVELINDEX - TRAVELNEWSHUB.com - UNTOURISMVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe, November 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO brought together top tourism and travel practitioners of 20 countries from across Africa to explore ways to deliver more effective tourism communications and showcase the sector’s role as a pillar of development.

The first Communications, Media and Tourism Training Workshop in Africa (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 13-15 November) recognized the heightened relevance of tourism and the current opportunity to gain greater visibility outside of the sector itself. Based on this premise, the three-day event focused on the opportunities for placing tourism in the mainstream conversation as well as the ongoing challenges facing communities, destinations and Africa as a region.

“Leaning by doing”

Reflecting UNWTO’s collaborative approach to communications, the workshop prioritised active learning among both participants and trainers. To gain a better understanding of why tourism matters and of how this needs to be communicated, the first day began with visits to three case studies in and around Victoria Falls:

  • Tourism for Wildlife Conservation: A visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust provided an opportunity to community-led conservation in action, offering a better understanding of where tourism is supporting wildlife protection and where it can do more.
  • Tourism for Development: Face-to-face meetings with the leaders and members of Umuzi Village made clear the challenges small destinations face in gaining access to the benefits tourism can offer, particularly with regards to outreach, communications and promotion.
  • Tourism for Nature: The rainforests inside Victoria Falls Nations Park served as an example of tourism’s ability to support the preservation of ecosystems, though again making clear how the sector’s full potential is not always realized.

The field trips provided the basis for the interactive learning sessions and workshops of the following two days. The 50 participants, drawn from 20 countries and from communications, destination management and tourism governance, were tasked with addressing three of the key challenges facing tourism communicators today: pitching to the media, building and curating media relations, and focusing the narrative on tourism for development.

The workshop was informed by presentations from experts from UNWTO as well as from across the media spectrum (Meta, Channels TV, TraveMedia Ireland) and from top content creators. The interactive presentations again focused on the most relevant issues, including ways to place tourism in the mainstream media, harnessing the power of social media for tourism for development, working with the media, and effective communications to showcase tourism’s importance for culture, heritage and communities.

Solutions and debates

With the focus of the Field Trips as the foundations, participants were tasked with presenting their solutions to the three main challenges outlined. With the focus again on interactive learning, the different backgrounds and viewpoints informed discussions around how best to pitch tourism to the wider media, how to work with media in an ever-changing landscape, and how to move beyond tourism as just a leisure activity. The discussions both highlighted the shared goals of diverse destinations while also making clear the gaps in knowledge that still need to be filled, with UNWTO standing ready to deliver further media training.

Alongside exploring the solutions to growing tourism as a media topic, the workshop also focused on crisis communications, again utilizing the diverse expertise of participants and the examples of the field trips to identify ways to be more proactive and build readiness.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Senegal Becomes First African Nation to Sign Code for the Protection of Tourists

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Senegal Becomes First African Nation to Sign Code for the Protection of Tourists - TRAVELINDEXDakar, Senegal, November 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Senegal has taken a pioneering step as the first African nation to sign the International Code for the Protection of Tourists, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of travellers in the post-COVID era.

At the 25th General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General UNWTO extended his warm congratulations to the West African nation and several others for their commitment to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT). The ICPT is a groundbreaking international legal framework that aims to rebuild consumer confidence in the travel industry and create a more equitable balance of responsibilities among tourism stakeholders.

The Ambassador of Senegal to Spain H.E Mariame Sy signed on behalf of the country.

Addressing the assembly, Mr. Pololikashvili highlighted the essence of a harmonized international legal framework in restoring trust among travellers. He stressed the necessity of clear, transparent, and efficient frameworks to safeguard tourists as consumers, asserting that the ICPT would deliver precisely that.

“This is a landmark first,” Mr. Pololikashvili declared, emphasising the uniqueness of the ICPT as a legal instrument created by UNWTO. Its primary objective is to ensure the protection of tourists and their consumer rights. By doing so, it aims to boost confidence within the tourism sector.

The success of the ICPT, as Mr. Pololikashvili underlined, depends on governments worldwide actively adhering to its provisions. He commended eight countries, Argentina, Brazil, Lebanon, Lithuania, Portugal, Senegal, Uruguay, and Venezuela, for taking the pioneering step of adhering to the code and hoped they would serve as exemplars for other nations.

“Your leadership is essential for addressing some of the biggest challenges that our sector is facing. It means we are placing the wellbeing of the tourists at the heart of what we do,” the Secretary General maintained.

Mr. Pololikashvili also stressed the essential role of leadership in addressing the challenges that the tourism sector is currently facing. Placing the well-being of tourists at the heart of their efforts, he urged nations to work collaboratively to ensure a better recovery for the industry.

The International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) sets forth a comprehensive set of international standards for the protection of tourists in emergency situations. Furthermore, it addresses consumer rights of tourists in a post-COVID-19 world. The code builds upon the work done by UNWTO and has been adapted to the unique circumstances created by the ongoing pandemic. It offers a coordinated approach to assisting international tourists during emergency situations, with the ultimate goal of fostering a safer and more secure environment for travelers.

The adherence of nations to the ICPT represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the tourism industry emerges from the challenges of the pandemic more resilient and responsive to the needs of tourists worldwide.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Shakes Up Financing for Tourism Climate Action with UN NetZero Facility

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UNWTO Shakes Up Financing for Tourism Climate Action with UN NetZero Facility - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, November 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in joint collaboration with NOAH Regen, has taken a further step forward in rethinking tourism financing with the launch of the UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem. The launch took place on 14 November 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters, Geneva, marking a pivotal moment in the global campaign against climate change following the adoption of the Paris Agreement by 196 parties.

A new era of finance governance

The UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem aspire to foster a new era of global finance governance. This transformative initiative aims to unlock carbon value, incorporating concepts such as Blue Carbon and circular business models. The ecosystem is dedicated to catalysing positive change in the Blue and Green Economy sectors, transforming regeneration into not just an ecological necessity but also a profitable endeavour.

Tourism’s transformation to low-carbon operations is our compass, let’s make Net Zero our destination by 2050 – a journey for prosperity and a healthy Earth

Key highlights of the framework include:

  • Blended Financial Ecosystem: A collaborative approach that integrates diverse funding sources, providing a solid foundation to address pressing climate challenges.
  • Blockchain Technology: Utilizing energy-efficient blockchain technology for transparent fund raising and transfer, ensuring real-time tracking and accountability.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Committed to unparalleled transparency, accountability, and auditability, ensuring the traceability of funds from inception to implementation.

Announcing the launch

The Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) Tatiana Valovaya said: “The UN NetZero Facility is designed to resonate with the 2030 Agenda which reflects the interconnectedness between human well-being and the health of the planet.”

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism’s transformation to low-carbon operations is our compass, let’s make Net Zero our destination by 2050 – a journey for prosperity and a healthy Earth.”

Frederic Degret, CEO of Noah adds: “We stand at a pivotal moment. The Re’planet Capital Fund, in compliance with Article 9 of SFDR, is not just a fund; it’s a catalyst for change, empowering investors to drive sustainable growth.”

Blended finance model

UNWTO’s Multi-Partners Trust Fund, within the UN system, will offer advisory services and grants to accelerate global progress toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The Facility will operate on a blended finance model and is set to leverage investments to transition toward building a climate-conscious economy.

The UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem will address some of the most capital-intensive climate issues, such as carbon credit quality and integrity, regulatory and market dynamics, and the monetization of sovereign nature-based and carbon credits.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Ministers Summit in London – Transforming Tourism Through Education

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UNWTO Ministers Summit in London - Transforming Tourism Through Education - TRAVELINDEX - NATALIA BAYONALondon, United Kingdom, November 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO celebrated the biggest Ministers Summit on record as it brought tourism leaders together on the opening day of the World Travel Market in London to focus on education and skills development.

Welcoming a record 40 Ministers of Tourism, representing every global region and destinations of all sizes, UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona underscored the vital importance of investing in education.

The Summit, hosted at WTM for the 17th time, also featured inputs from key private sector players and from co-organizer the World Travel and Tourism  Council (WTTC).

Education for a better tourism

According to UNWTO with 1.2 billion people worldwide aged between 15 to 24, tourism can establish itself as a top employer of youth and driver of youth empowerment. However., according to the Office for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) around 10% of that demographic are unemployed and 14% hold only basic qualifications.

Outlining how UNWTO is leading the way in promoting tourism education, Executive Director Bayona emphasised the need to support education and skills development at every stage.

  • UNWTO launched its Education Toolkit in October 2023. The landmark resource will enable countries everywhere to introduce tourism as a high school subject.
  • The Bachelors Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management offered by UNWTO and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts will welcome its first students in 2024.
  • Currently, 30 universities worldwide contribute content to the UNWTO Online Academy. And on the ground, the Riyadh School of Hospitality and Tourism in Saudi Arabia and the Tourism Academy in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, train thousands of tourism professionals.

Ministers share education policies

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Tourism, Sir John Whittingdale, stressed the importance of platforms like the Ministers Summit to provide a dialogue on how different countries are tackling common challenges, including advancing tourism education. With more than double the number of Ministerial-level participants than 2022 highlighting the strong interest in the topic, participants shared their insights on the place of education in the future of tourism.

  • The Ministers of South Africa, Egypt, the Philippines and Jordan all made clear the importance of supporting education at every stage. For example, South Africa has launched a tourism equity fund to bridge the gap between student skills and employer needs, and in the Philippines , tourism education extends from high school to vocational degrees. At the same time, Jordan is working to boost the abilities of tourism workers, including in language skills.
  • The Ministers from Mauritius, Malta and Indonesia stressed the vital need to upskill new and existing tourism workers. Mauritius noted that all Least Developed Countries were hit hard by the pandemic and face a challenge to boost literacy and numeracy rates, potentially with bilateral and multilateral support. For Malta, a new Skills Card will aim to elevate professional standards in the sector for better career prospects for workers and service for tourists, while Indonesia will prioritise innovation and adaptation as it creates 5 million tourism jobs in the next decade.
  • Highlighting the vital importance of education for tourism sustainability, the Minister for Colombia outlined how the sector is bringing peace, jobs and youth opportunity to areas afflicted by insecurity, while Ethiopia shared its work investing in young people as well as in tourism infrastructure.

Alongside the Ministerial voices, the private sector was represented by leaders from Riyadh Air and JTB (Japan Tourism Bureau) Corp. They echoed the Ministers’ focus on  the importance of public-private partnerships, stressing that governments need to work with businesses to ensure training meets the needs of employers.

Ministers takeaways from Summit

On the back of the expert inputs from tourism leaders from every global region, Ministers were able to take away key lessons from the London Summit. Chief among them was the shared nature of the challenges facing destinations everywhere, with a common need for more and better-skilled workers.
Concluding, UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona noted the urgent need to make tourism an aspirational sector for young people everywhere, with public-private partnerships essentially for bringing the current skills gap in the sector.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News